One main element is his difficult upbringing in poverty - stricken surroundings. Another is the constant bullying and discrimination he endured due to his physical appearance. And of course, his strong bond with his sister Daki. This bond was what drove him to protect her at all costs and also influenced his actions as a demon. For example, he would go to great lengths to avenge any harm done to her because of their shared experiences of being outcasts in society.
Gyutaro was born into poverty. He and his sister Daki had a very tough life. They were constantly bullied and looked down upon. Gyutaro had a deformed body which added to his misery. He was filled with hatred towards the world that treated them so badly. In order to protect his sister, he became extremely violent and cruel to those who he thought were threats. His experiences in his early life shaped him into the demon he later became, using his powers to lash out at those he despised.
Tanjiro might use his sense of smell to detect hidden threats. Since his sense of smell is super - enhanced, he could sniff out any demons or traps in the way of saving Rengoku. For example, if there are demons disguised as allies, Tanjiro would be able to tell by their scent.
Yes, in some fanfictions, Tanjiro is depicted as the reincarnation of Yoriichi. This concept adds an interesting layer to the story as Yoriichi was an extremely powerful and legendary figure in the original lore. The idea allows for new storylines where Tanjiro might inherit some of Yoriichi's skills or have a deeper connection to the past events related to Yoriichi.
Tanjiro's fate in the manga is that he ultimately passed away. This event was a significant part of the story's development and had a profound impact on the other characters and the overall plot.